Drone spraying in Nellore: 92% less water wasted, protection that lasts longer

The problem

How farmers around Nellore spray today

Farmers in Nellore normally spray every 10 to 15 days. Much of the water and chemical in manual spraying does not reach the plant. It runs off or drifts, and the farmer pays for it in water, chemical and labour.

What we did

Drone spraying on 1,800+ acres

Our operators sprayed more than 1,800 acres around Nellore with drones. A drone flies over the crop and puts the spray on the plant, so the fine droplets cover the leaves evenly and little is wasted.

What we saw

Less water, better effect, fewer sprays

Water: 92% less water was wasted than with the usual method.

Effect: the spray worked better, and its effect lasted about 7 days longer.

Spray interval: where farmers normally spray every 10 to 15 days, the longer effect means the next spray can wait about 7 days more, roughly every 17 to 22 days. Fewer sprays on the same field means less chemical, less water and less labour over the season.

Chemical: 33.3% less chemical was used per spray.

What it means for you

Why it matters to a farmer

• Less water to carry and pay for.
• Fewer spray rounds in a season.
• Less chemical used per spray, so a lower input cost.
• Even coverage, including on wet fields a person cannot easily walk through.

Source: Vurimi AI Global Services, Nellore trial. Published November 2026.

Results depend on the crop, the weather, the product used and how the field was sprayed before. Always use products registered for your crop and follow the label.